Gabon has officially launched its campaign period ahead of legislative and local elections set for September 27 and October 11.
The announcement was made by Interior Minister Hermann Immongault on September 17, marking a key milestone in the country’s post-coup transition.
“Never in the memory of Gabonese people have elections generated such enthusiasm,” Immongault said at a press conference.
Following President Brice Oligui Nguema’s April 12 victory, the elections will fill 145 parliamentary seats and thousands of municipal and departmental council positions.
Over 1,600 candidates and 20 political parties, including the ruling UDB and the former ruling PDG, are participating.
The vote is seen as a critical step in restoring democratic governance after the August 2023 coup ended more than five decades of Bongo family rule.